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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Indians come out on top in a wild one in Cleveland, 10-9

Mat Latos' first career start in
Cleveland was one to forget

After getting swept last week in Cincinnati, Cleveland had revenge on their minds as they welcomed their instate rivals to Progressive Field on Monday. And given the recent bad blood between the two squads in last week's series (mainly Dusty Baker and Derek Lowe), one would've expected a slugfest at some point during the affair. And as fate would have it, it turns out we saw one, just not in the bench-clearing fashion we may have imagined. The host Indians (34-32) outslugged the Reds (38-28), 10-9, in a wild one in Northern Ohio, thus snapping the Redlegs' season-high 6-game winning streak.

Here's a recap of the good, bad and notables from Monday's interleague clash:
The Good:
- The Reds offense got to trash-talking, Indians starter Derek Lowe early and often to the tune of 11 hits and seven runs over five innings. He wasn't fooling anyone on this night.
- Brandon Phillips continues to terrorize his former club. He went 3-5 with a double (10), three runs scored, and an RBI (42). He's lifted his average on the year to .294.
- Jay Bruce had a 3-hit night as well. One of those hits was his 16th homer in 2012. He scored thrice, knocked in two (46), and drew a walk.
- Joey Votto, Ryan Hanigan and Ryan Ludwick each had a pair of hits. Both of Votto's and Ludwick's were of the extra base variety.
- Scott Rolen proceeded to have a 2-4 night after being activated from the disabled list just hours before gametime. He drove in two (13).
- Logan Ondrusek made his first appearance in over a week and promptly hurled a scoreless frame in the eighth.
- The Reds were 6-10 with RISP and actually outhit Cleveland 14-13.
- Cincy's 3-7 hitters combined to go 12-21 with two homers, seven RBI, four doubles, three walks and scored all nine runs.

The Bad:
- Mat Latos hit the showers early after lasting just four frames. The 24-year old allowed eight hits, seven runs (all earned) and three homers in the losing effort. His ERA now stands at 5.20 and leaves plenty of room for concern as to whether or not he can be a legitimiate no. 2 starter to go alongside Johnny Cueto. Time will tell I suppose.
- Zack Cozart and Chris Heisey combined for an 0-9 showing at the dish. They comprised the top two hitters in the lineup.
- Todd Frazier was hitless in four plate appearances with two strikeouts and a GIDP.
- The 6-game winning streak is officially over. Oh, and it's a loss to the hated Tribe.
- Cincy's 3-7 hitters combined to go 12-21 with two homers, seven RBI, four doubles, three walks and scored all nine runs, but still lost.

The Notables:
- A crowd of 19,948 was on hand to take in the contest.
- Ohio State football coach and Ashtabula, Ohio native Urban Meyer threw out the game's ceremonial first pitch. He also delivered the first pitch in a game last week in Cincinnati.
- OF Kristopher Negron was demoted to Triple-A Louisville prior to the game to make room for Rolen.
- The Reds moved up three places to 6th in this week's MLB Power Rankings by ESPN.
- Cincinnati is now 39-40 all-time versus Cleveland and 103-127 all-time in interleague play.
- Game two of the series will take place on Tuesday as Cincy trots out right-hander Mike Leake (2-5, 5.05) to counter Cleveland's Josh Tomlin (3-4, 5.56). The action is slated to get underway at approximately 7:05et.